Why The Miami Heat Do The Deal
The Heat are not the same team that made the Eastern Conference Finals last year.
Sure, that’s true in terms of their performance. It’s also true in terms of their roster construction. By now, it’s obvious that Miami is missing the departed P.J. Tucker.
Barnes could be a suitable replacement. He’s not identical: Barnes is a better offensive player, and while a solid defender, he doesn’t meet Tucker’s intensity on that end of the floor.
Still, he’s a quality starter at the 4 who’d allow the Heat to shift Jimmy Butler back down to his natural 3 position.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Harrison Barnes, Sacramento Kings & Miami Heat Updates
Finally, this deal also allows the Heat to move off of Robinson’s contract. They may be focused on this season, but if it still goes south following this deal, that allows them more flexibility heading into 2023-24.
After all, knowing the Heat, they’ll still have high expectations heading into next season.
